How to Push/Roll start a car

Someone asked me recently how to push start a car, and wanted a video. I figured I might as well make one since I couldn't find people push-starting a car from inside. So, here ya go. I'm not very photogenic in front of a camera, but I think I got it across okay

Update: To address a few common questions:

First, this is completely impossible in modern (as in, post-1950ish) automatic transmissions. Don't try it, you'll just roll your car around.

This can be done on both carb'd and fuel injection cars. Diesel will usually work, but will probably need more speed and runup due to the higher compression. You might try it in third gear to get the engine going faster.

This does need the key in and in the On/Run position. This won't let you start a car without the key in. Best you'll do if you try this is turn the engine over a few times.

If your battery is really, really dead it may be extra difficult to get it to light off. Always make sure you have somewhere safe downhill wherever you're doing this in case it doesn't work.

You can also do this in reverse, but it's a little trickier. Since Reverse gear is not synchronized in 99.99% of current cars, you will need to make sure you're in reverse gear before you start rolling backwards. Otherwise you'll find it tricky to get it into gear. You'll want to be extra careful about other traffic and such.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• car
• start
• roll
• push
• stickshift

[super00fiss]

can you that trick to a auto tranny?

[Scoth3]

@super00fiss Not unless you have a '50s-era first-generation automatic. They actually had the bits necessary to make it work. Anything newer all you'll succeed in doing is rolling it down a hill.

[AttractionQuartet]

Love the Mister-2 used in this example. What was core problem - starter? I have the 3SGte (SW20) 1991..

[Scoth3]

@AttractionQuartet Actually nothing was wrong with the running gear in the car. I just used it to demonstrate. The main problem was it was hit hard in the right front by someone turning in front of me and leaving me nowhere to go. But I have another MR2 now!

[ATE44]

what car is it?

[Scoth3]

@ATE44 1992 Toyota MR2.

[browilliams]

With Youtube, who needs parents?

[0TheLostArtist0]

I think u did well speaking dude. Very informative and helpful. Thanks!

[safiii786]

u dont need to give ignition at any point???



[IriePrincessLove]

i tried this but i can never get to work even when i put it on second gear...good video though

[GOTHEAT0]

lol toyota mr2!

[thestormforce70]

good video to the point thanks mate

[kiithsjet2]

@mrdave777 maybe some clutch wear, but its not any harsher on your clutch than a bad shift or two would be. other than that all youre doing is forcing the engine to turn over by locking it in place with your wheels (which are rotating) instead of forcing the engine to turn over with your electric starter motor. your engine wont know the difference and your clutch will be fine.

[TheHoesdose]

it was thank you

[mrdave777]

Quick question-can any damage to the car or electric system be done attempting this? THX

[Still1ll]

Super helpful, thanks

[JohnxWaynexGacy]

That looks like an apartment complex my friend lived in when I went to school in NC